New North Carolina football coach Bill Belichick is focused on the present despite a significant contract detail causing speculation about his future.
When discussing his new role with the Tar Heels Monday on SiriusXM’s “Let’s Go!” podcast, Belichick maintained the Chapel Bill era is here to stay after co-host Jim Gray asked if he’s “left the door open” to an NFL return based on the buyout clause, a $10 million hit before June 1, 2025.
“Jim, you know I don’t discuss contracts,” the eight-time Super Bowl winner told Gray before adding, “… I’m here at North Carolina, I want to be at Carolina, and I’m excited about being at Carolina.”
Belichick, 72, agreed to a five-year deal with the Tar Heels last week and will receive $1 million in base salary and $9 million in supplemental income, which is guaranteed in the first three years, according to the term sheet.
Should the legendary NFL coach decide to take a U-turn on his latest career endeavor after June 1 in the new year, it’ll only cost him $1 million.
Not that Belichick is plotting a departure — according to him, anyway.
During Thursday’s introductory press conference in Chapel Hill, where he was joined by 24-year-old girlfriend Jordon Hudson, the ex-Patriots coach told reporters he “didn’t come here to leave.”
“It’s great to come back home to Carolina and come back home to an environment I grew up in,” said Belichick, whose father Steve was an assistant at UNC from 1953-55.
Although much of the sports community is still coming to terms with Belichick’s stunning move to the college ranks, he did inquire about another opportunity before landing with North Carolina.
Belichick expressed interest in the Jets’ head coaching vacancy following Robert Saleh’s firing, a source told The Post’s Brian Costello over the weekend.
A shocking development given Belichick famously resigned as the Jets’ head coach in 2000 before taking the top job with the Patriots, whom he led to six Super Bowl wins with quarterback Tom Brady.
Belichick parted ways with the Patriots in January after 24 seasons.
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